The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (NEKEDE POLY) in Imo State was a sight to behold last week. Students came out in different shades of armour-like vests made of soft wood thread. They looked resplendent. They moved round the campus, singing and dancing according to their departments.

It was the maiden edition of Carnival of Arts and the Culture organised by the Office of Polytechnic Development. The event is to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony on the campus.

Setting the tone for the ceremony, the Rector, Mrs Ugochi Njoku, said it was a rare privilege for her to organise such an event since the school was established.

The school stadium, where the event was held, was filled to capacity as students trooped into the facility to catch a glimpse of the carnival. A traditional troupe added colour to the show through its stunts.

Each department came out with its team of revellers for performance. Members of staff were not left out.

Students of Faculty of Engineering brought their ingenuity to bear with the display of building architecture and various engineering masterpiece. The Department of Architecture used wood and aluminum sheet to design a replica of the polytechnic’s school gate.

Female students of the Department of Arts and Design used cement sack and wood thread to cover their bodies as they performed their dance steps. The Fishery Department brought a canoe they designed for the occasion.

Pupils of the polytechnic’s staff school were not left out. They displayed breathtaking acrobatics.

Speaking to CAMPUS LIFE, Mrs Njoku said: “The event is organised to ease the academic tension on campus. Students are having fun with their lecturers. This will promote understanding, which will in turn engender excellence. We have made all efforts to ensure the event is successful and I believe after this, students would return to their classroom refreshed and rejuvenated.”

Students, who spoke to our correspondents, hailed the management for the event, describing the carnival as the biggest social event on the campus.

Chidera Ogbonna, a ND II Food Technology student, said: “I am happy to witness this carnival. This is the first of its kind and I must say that the management led by the Rector has done a wonderful job putting the event together. It is the biggest social event on campus this year.”

Describing the event as successful, Uche Felix, a ND 1 Mass Communication, said: “I enjoyed every bit of the performance, especially the one rendered by students of Arts and Design Department. For me, it was all fun. I can’t wait to witness next year’s edition.”

Students of the Architecture Department were adjudged the best in acrobatic performance. They were given the sum of N50,000 as reward for their innovation. Department of Fishery got the Most Creative Department award, while Arts and Design Department got Best Costume award.